Courses

Below is the listing and description of courses by subject for Summer Session 2023.

WEEK 1: June 10–17, 2023
WEEK 2: June 17–24, 2023
FULL SESSION: June 10–24, 2023

Click here to see the courses by hour.

• Art, Art History & Culinary
• Bible & Christianity
• Business, Current Events & Politics
• Computer & Technology
• History, Film & Literature
• Music
• Reading, Writing & Speaking
• Science & Engineering
• Sports & Fitness

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ART, ART HISTORY & CULINARY

WATERCOLOR WORKSHOP

Leah McFall (US’89, C’93), MSEd Art Education, MFA
Hours Four and Five, 2:15–4:10 p.m., Two-week course
(art supply fee associated with this class)

Come paint for two hours every day in a beautiful river-view art studio, learning and practicing watercolor techniques with a fun, supportive community of learners! From beginners to experienced, all are welcome. Through daily teacher-demos, practice, and sharing of feedback and ideas, everyone moves forward. Bring pieces you are working on and get inspired by new ideas! Topics include: applying color theory and mixing, arranging compositions, creating shadow and light, creating dynamic backgrounds for your subject, and of course, land and waterscape painting.

SEARCHING FOR ITALY’S CULTURAL MASTERPIECES AND REGIONAL CUISINES

Susie B. Ledbetter (C’70), MEd and Marcel Biró, CMC

Hour Three, 11:15 a.m.–12:05 p.m. (cooking days may extend into lunch hour), Two-week course,
(ingredient supply fee associated with this class)

Inspired by Stanley Tucci’s Emmy-winning series, Searching for Italy, come along as Susie Ledbetter and Master Chef Marcel Biró travel across Italy to discover the secrets and delights of the country’s regional cuisines and cultural masterpieces. We will explore six of Italy’s best loved places: Naples and the Amalfi Coast, Rome, Bologna, Milan, Tuscany, and Sicily.

Join us for one week or two as Susie explores Italy’s rich treasures of art and architecture and Marcel demonstrates and guides us through the preparation of regional culinary traditions. You’ll be cooking and eating your way through Italy.

DRAWING & SKETCHING: THE SKETCHING JOURNAL

Leah McFall (US’89, C’93), MSEd Art Education, MFA
Hour Three, 11:15 a.m.–12:05 p.m., One-week course offered both weeks
(art supply fee associated with this class)

Keeping a sketching journal is a wonderful way to enrich your travels or just take a more reflective approach to daily living. In this class, we will work on drawing skills like perspective, observation, shading, texture, and proportion, while drawing various historic buildings and views on the beautiful Principia campus. We will also learn some ways to incorporate observation and text into our pages. Expect to leave with new ideas, enhanced skills, and a sketchbook full of great memories!

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BIBLE & RELIGION

TEACHING SPIRITUAL CONCEPTS TO YOUNG CHILDREN

Dorothy Halverson (C’85), MA, Principia Early Childhood Principal
Hour One, 9:05–9:55 a.m., Week One only

Have you ever wondered how to share spiritual concepts with young children and help them better understand and apply them in their daily experiences? In this course, we will look at a few of the first Sunday School lessons and Bible stories often taught to young children and share age-appropriate, engaging, hands-on activities that help children grasp their meaning.

Materials will be provided for a “make-and-take” workshop-style class. The lesson ideas are geared toward two- to six-year-olds. If you’re a Sunday School teacher, parent, or grandparent who interacts with young children, you won’t want to miss this course.

ENGAGING WITH ADOLESCENTS USING SPIRITUAL CONCEPTS

Olivia Halverson (US’16), BS
Hour Two, 10:10–11:00 a.m., Week One only

Do you desire to engage in genuine conversation with tweens and teens to answer these three questions: Who am I as a child of God? Why do we attend Sunday School? What does it mean to practice Christian Science?

In this course, we will investigate how to relate to, appeal to, and reach adolescents in their current understanding of Christian Science and their relationship to God. It’s crucial to help young Christian Scientists find confidence turning to prayer and Christian Science in their daily lives. Together we will share age-appropriate, engaging, and hands-on activities that help adolescents grasp spiritual concepts.

Materials will be provided for a “make-and-take” workshop-style class. The lesson ideas are geared toward 11–18-year-olds (6th–12th grade). If you’re a Sunday School teacher, parent, or grandparent who interacts with adolescents, this course is for you!

WHAT ELSE DID JESUS AND HIS FOLLOWERS DO?

Shirley Paulson (US’66, C’70), PhD
Hour Four, 2:15–3:05 p.m., Week One only

Does the Bible leave you wondering and asking more questions? What happened to the disciples after
Jesus left? How did they understand healing? Was Mary Magdalene really a sinner or a saint? This course explores how several extracanonical texts contribute to a greater understanding of Bible people and their world.

EXODUS: DELIVERANCE THEN AND NOW

Madelon Maupin (C’73), MTS
Hour Three, 11:15 a.m.–12:05 p.m., Week One only

This course examines the first 16 chapters of Exodus: the early story of Moses and the departure from Egyptian slavery, seeing how the themes of deliverance are so relevant to our lives today.

EXPLORING THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE STATEMENTS “PROGRESS IS THE LAW OF GOD,” AND “THE ARC OF THE MORAL UNIVERSE IS LONG, BUT IT BENDS TOWARDS JUSTICE.”

Lee Barron (US’72, C’76), JD, Principia General Counsel
Hour One, 9:05–9:55 a.m., Two-week course

The unifying theme for Principia’s 125th year is “Progress is the law of God, whose law demands of us
only what we can certainly fulfil.” (Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, p. 233)

In 1968 when Martin Luther King Jr. pronounced, “Thearc of the moral universe is long, but it bends towardsjustice,” he was echoing the words of 19th centuryUnitarian minister Theodore Parker, with whomMary Baker Eddy was acquainted.The concepts of progress, spiritual growth, and culturalevolution can be easily eclipsed by loud and angryvoices during times of apparent division, discord, andmisunderstanding. Together, we will dive deeply into thesense of divine progress that is built into the phrase, “thearc of the moral universe is long, but it bends towardsjustice.” We will seek to answer how adopting a “longarc of history” perspective to our current debates andconflicts might help us be more understanding andcompassionate community members, citizens, andhumanitarians. We will also explore the relationshipbetween understanding that progress is a divine lawand the promise that there is a moral universe everdeveloping towards greater justice.

SERVANT LEADERSHIP AND ITS BIBLICAL ROOTS

Joan Bernard Bradley (FS’99), EdD
Hour One, 9:05–9:55 a.m., One-week course offered both weeks

In this course, we will discuss the concept of servant leadership as demonstrated by Christ Jesus, including washing the disciples’ feet. Together we will consider how and why Bible patriarchs practiced servant leadership. In addition, we will ponder servant leadership qualities that are given in the Sermon on the Mount and how we can apply this Biblical code of behavior in our communities.

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BUSINESS, CURRENT EVENTS &POLITICS

SOCIAL JUSTICE: ADDRESSING IT THROUGH EDUCATION AND BROTHERLY LOVE

Joan Bernard Bradley (FS’99), EdD
Hour Two, 10:10–11:00 a.m., One-week course offered both weeks

Social justice means that everyone deserves equal education, economic, and social rights. We will discuss why social injustice and unequal education persist and how the parable of the Good Samaritan is a call to civic responsibility. Also, what if the capacity of all citizens to be productive was considered a national resource? Could this perspective transform public education?

HOW OUR HYPER-COMPETITIVE SOCIETY MAKES LOSERS OF US ALL

Lee Ellis (FS’99), PhD, dean of admissions
Hour One, 9:05–9:55 a.m., Week Two only

This class explores the nature of competition—the ways we compete, why we compete, and how it makes us feel. We’ll consider five myths of competition: that competition is natural, builds character, enhances performance, is motivational, and is fun. We’ll explore an alternative way of viewing competition: Contesting Theory. We’ll discuss concepts that undergird our hypercompetitive society: meritocracy, capitalism, the gospel of wealth, and social Darwinism. We’ll also discuss the social institutions that promote hyper-competitiveness.

UNDERSTANDING NATIONALISM

Peter van Lidth de Jeude (C’04), PhD, history professor
Hour Four, 2:15–3:05 p.m., Two-week course

Since it rose to prominence in the French Revolution, the idea of nationalism has had a massive impact on the world. In this course, students will learn how nationalism emerged during the Age of Revolutions, how it swept across Europe and the globe in the 19th century, how it has influenced conflicts over the last two centuries, and how it continues to exert influence to this day.

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COMPUTERS & TECHNOLOGY

DIVE INTO 3D PRINTING

Marie Farson, PhD, earth science professor
Hour Four, 2:15–3:05 p.m., Week One only

This course provides an overview of open-source hardware in theory and practice for an introduction to additive manufacturing using open-source 3D printing. Each student will learn how 3D printers are built and how they operate and will complete an individual project using it.

IPHONE PHOTOGRAPHY

Jon Hosmer (US’88, C’92), MALD, Principia Web Director
Hour Five, 3:20–4:10 p.m., One-week course offered both weeks

Let’s work together to unleash your iPhone camera’s potential and your photography skills. We will explore the features of these tiny but powerful cameras. We will start with the basics of still photos, saving them, and sending them to others. Then we will go through the other ways your camera can work for you, from video to slow motion, portraits, burst photos, and time lapses. We will also cover selfies, use of the flash, low-light photos, and editing on your phone. While we all want to take better photographs, this class is designed to help you feel more capable and comfortable using your iPhone as a handy, flexible, and useful camera. After all, the best camera is the one you have with you.

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HISTORY, FILM & LITERATURE

THE AMERICAN CIVIL WAR IN 10 EASY LESSONS

Richard Waller (C’76), MA, social studies teacher
Hour Five, 3:20–4:10 p.m., Two-week course

With a brief overview of battles, the emphasis of this course is on discussing how the war occurred and the technological, political, economic, and strategic innovations/developments that ultimately defined how it was fought and concluded.

THE MORGAN YEARS: A BRIEF HISTORY OF PRINCIPIA COLLEGE

Howard Bay (US’69, C’73), MA, retired history teacher
Hour One, 9:05–9:55 a.m., Two-week course

“We will find a better place . . . an ideal place.” —Bernard Maybeck to Frederic Morgan, October 1930

It’s been over 90 years since Mary Kimball Morgan, Principia’s founder, and her son Frederic stood on the site of the future Chapel to dedicate the river-bluff land for Principia College. This course will focus on the career of the first Principian, Frederic Morgan, and his stewardship of the building and growth of the College. The story of the remarkable relationship between “Mr. Freddie” and celebrated architect Bernard Maybeck will deepen our understanding and appreciation of the early history of the campus. We will then expand the narrative to include the dramatic events of the war years as well as the boom years of the ’50s and ’60s. As an added bonus, some classes may take place in Maybeck buildings.

JUDGMENT AT NUREMBERG

Peter van Lidth de Jeude (C’04), PhD, history professor
Hour Two, 10:10–11:00 a.m.., Two-week course

Stanley Kramer’s 1961 film Judgment at Nuremberg is a classic retelling of the events surrounding the trials that brought World War II to a close and attempted to bring the Nazi regime to justice. But how historical is the film? What events led to the Nuremberg Trials? And what can this film and those events teach us about war, legality, and justice? We will tackle these questions—and more— by looking at this intersection of film and history.

IT SEEMED LIKE A GOOD IDEA AT THE TIME

Richard Waller (C’76), MA, social studies teacher
Hour Three, 11:15 a.m.–12:05 p.m., Two-week course

This course is focused primarily on U.S. History and considers historical events when a particular decision and/or course of action was debated and then taken. Some of these turned out much more successfully than anyone could have expected, while not so much for others. We will look at 10 of these events/decisions and explore what made each of them a good or bad decision.

REMEMBERING FREEDOM SUMMER, 1964

John Williams (C’76), JD, Principia College President
Hour Two, 10:10–11:00 a.m., Two-week course

We are approaching the 60th anniversary of Freedom Summer, 1964. It was the seminal summer of the national awakening to the Civil Rights Movement. Selma, Montgomery, Birmingham, Atlanta, Washington, DC. Anchored in pictures, stories, and memories from the 2022 PLL trip, “Civil Rights: A Journey to Freedom,” we will visit the history, events, people, and impacts of that summer. Freedom Summer was located between the killing of young Emmitt Till in 1955 near Money, Mississippi, and the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in 1968 in Memphis, Tennessee. Our “journey” will present opportunities for us to reflect on the meaning and impact that these events have had on our lives

FASCINATION WITH SHAKESPEARE

Jeffrey Steele (FS’01), PhD, multidisciplinary professor
Hour Two, 10:10–11:00 a.m., One-week course offered both weeks

In five days, we will explore how the concept of aggressive mental suggestion, or mesmerism, was known in Shakespeare’s day as “fascination,” and the ways in which it appears in his plays. There is no heavy reading required, so enjoy a brief look at the man from Stratford, his works, and life and times.

WALT WHITMAN AND THE CELEBRATION OF THE SELF

Brandon James O’Neil (C’16), PhD,
Hour Three, 11:15 a.m–12:05 p.m., Two-week course

American poet Walt Whitman (1819–1892) famously opens his 1855 “Song of Myself” with a declaration: “I celebrate myself.” In this course, students will learn about the life and context of this daring poet: his witness to the rise of American print culture and journalism; his dedicated service in military hospitals during the Civil War; his dabbling with popular expressions of science and pseudoscience; and, of course, the massive poetic project, Leaves of Grass, which was in constant revision from 1855 to 1892.

“IN THE FACES OF MEN AND WOMEN I SEE GOD”:AMERICAN RELIGIOUS VERSE FROM THE PURITANS TO BEATNIK

Brandon James O’Neil (C’16), PhD
Hour Four, 2:15–3:05 p.m., Two-week course

This course will explore American concepts of divinity through the leading names in national poetry. Beginning with the meditations of Colonial Calvinists, we will then explore the construction of American religious identity in the poetry of the early Republic. Students will then find the guiding lights of sacred verse during the tumultuous Civil War and the unfulfilled promises of the Gilded Age, culminating in the crisis of faith marking the World Wars and the spiritual thirst of the post-war generation.

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MUSIC

GOING TO THE OPERA IS FUN! — TOSCA BY PUCCINI

Marie Jureit-Beamish (HON’14), PhD, professor emerita of music
Hour Two, 10:10–11:00 a.m., Week One only
+ Live Performance at Opera Theatre St. Louis*

Tosca takes place in 1800, about the same time that Beethoven is dominating the musical scene in Vienna and helping to fend off an invasion by Napoleon! In this opera, Rome is caught in the middle of a war between Napoleon and the Austrian empire, and republican sympathizers are on the run from the police.

Spying, double-crossing, and torture have become the order of the day. Tosca would do anything to protect her lover, the painter Cavaradossi—a fact that the lustful police chief Scarpia is all too ready to exploit. When Cavaradossi is accused of harboring political prisoners, Scarpia asks Tosca to make an unthinkable decision. Little does he know how fiercely she will fight to protect herself and those she loves.

Although written over 100 years ago, Tosca remains undeniably relevant to the political struggles and gender power dynamics of the 21st century. Dr. Jureit-Beamish helps bring to life some of Puccini’s most beautiful music to prepare for attending a live, in-person production of Tosca in St. Louis on Saturday, June 17 at 12:30 p.m.
*$40 fee for Opera tickets

BEST FILM MUSICALES OF ALL TIME

Marie Jureit-Beamish (HON’14), PhD, professor emerita of music
Hour Four, 2:15–3:05 p.m., Two-week course

Ever since sound and film were first united in The Jazz Singer (1927), the musical has been a staple of cinemahistory and popular culture. Over time, the genre hasevolved, peaked, and waned. Hollywood cornered themarket, though Bollywood has certainly given it a runfor its money over the years, and it enjoyed a lengthygolden age. What fun it will be to revisit so many of thelegendary classic songs from such iconic titles as Singin’ in the Rain, The Wizard of Oz, West Side Story, The Sound of Music, Oliver!, and many more!

CHOIR

Joe Van Riper (C’05), PhD, music professor
Hour Six, 4:25–5:15 p.m., Two-week course

Make a joyful noise unto the Lord! Come share your love of singing by participating in the Summer Session choir. This ensemble will offer a wonderful opportunity for community collaboration and joyous musical expression.

BEETHOVEN: A SPIRITUAL JOURNEY THROUGH NINE OF HIS GREATEST ACHIEVEMENTS

Marie Jureit-Beamish (HON’14), PhD, professor emerita of music
Hour Three, 11:15 a.m.–12:05 p.m., Two-week course

Beethoven sits atop the world of classical music representing the triumph of Spirit over adversity. Described as “grumpy, demanding, and arrogant,” his personality could also at once be “charming, generous, and overpowering in his friendliness.” Also faced with deafness throughout his life, he persisted to write some of the most emotional, powerful, sublime, creative, and inspired music the world has ever known. By navigating his personal spiritual journey, we gain insights to help us understand this highly complex character whose music penetrates the depths of humanity and triumphs to reach the sublime heights scaled only by a very few—and providing everyone with a musical journey of revelations.

Dr. Jureit-Beamish shares her lifelong passion for such monuments of Beethoven’s music as, “Eroica” Symphony No. 3, the triumphant “Ode to Joy,” the “Hammerklavier” Sonata, and many more.

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READING, WRITING & SPEAKING

THE ACTOR’S CREATIVE SPIRIT

Chrissy Calkins Steele (FS’08), MFA, theatre professor
Hour Five, 3:20–4:10 p.m., One-week course offered both weeks

Tap your creative spirit through exploring the art of the actor. The class includes acting games and exercises, ensemble activities, and performing short monologues and scenes, and culminates in a readers’ theatre-style performance of scenes from a play. No previous experience required, just a willingness to play and explore.

HOOKED ON BOOKS: WEST WITH GIRAFFES

Linda Conradi (C’65), MLA
Hour Three: 11:15 a.m.–12:05 p.m., Week One only

West with Giraffes by Lynda Rutledge is historical fiction set in 1938 in which two giraffes are trucked from New York to the San Diego Zoo. So much more than an adventure tale, it is a coming-of-age story, a love story, and a glimpse of Depression Era and Dust Bowl bleakness, but still tinged with hope. You finish this story with a longing to pet a giraffe. Students are encouraged to read the book in advance, in order to best contribute to class discussions.

SOULFUL EXPRESSION: COMMUNICATING WITH FREEDOM AND POWER

Chrissy Calkins Steele (FS’08), MFA, theatre professor
Hour Two, 10:10–11:00 a.m., One-week course offered both weeks

Would you like to speak with greater expression, freedom, and power? Whether reading in church, telling a story, or giving a presentation, your voice and body communicate meaning. We will use poetry, psalms, hymns, and Bible stories to practice skills to communicate more clearly and expressively, expanding your Soulful expression.

PEACE IT TOGETHER

Jeff Steele (FS’01), PhD, multidisciplinary professor
Hour One, 9:05–9:55 a.m., One-week course offered both weeks

This course will examine the dispute process by using jigsaw puzzles as its central metaphor. The approach is to bring all parties to the table to solve problems together in a non-adversarial setting. Peacemaking techniques and suggestions for initial approaches and language will be the center of the skill set offered in this discussion-oriented workshop. All disputes are unique; and yet specific approaches can be applied to even the most divisive situations.

HOOKED ON BOOKS: THE GREATER JOURNEY, AMERICANS IN PARIS

Linda Conradi (C’65), MLA
Hour Three: 11:15 a.m.–12:05 p.m., Week Two only

The Greater Journey, Americans in Paris by David McCullough is a compelling tale of Americans who journeyed to Paris as part of their quest to excel in their chosen fields. Focusing on the years 1830–1900, writers, artists, musicians, inventors, politicians, and more, expanded their horizons and talents in this cosmopolitan setting before returning to America to enrich its culture with their chosen careers. Students are encouraged to read the book in advance, and then join in the class discussions.

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SCIENCE

THE BIRDS OF PRINCIPIA

Scott Eckert (C’79), PhD, professor of biology and natural resources
Early Bird and Hour One, 6:30–7:20 a.m. and 9:05–9:55 a.m., Week One only

This course will provide you with an opportunity to learn about the birds of Principia and introduce you to the biology and ecology of birds. The course will teach fundamentals of bird identification (bird “watching”) as well as provide an introduction to the biology of these wonderful animals. We will have daily bird walks starting at 6:30 a.m. and then laboratory study of bird specimens and classroom lectures each day resuming at 9:05 a.m. Binoculars, spotting scopes, and bird guides will be provided.

THE SCIENTIFIC STUDY OF NEAR-DEATH EXPERIENCES

Matthew Cocks, PhD, assistant professor of economics
Hour One, 9:05–9:55 a.m., Week One only

Most people are familiar with near-death experiences (NDEs). They have been reported all around the world for many centuries and have even been featured in the Christian Science periodicals from time to time. However, NDEs have also been consistently sensationalized by book publishers, documentary makers, and the media. Consequently, many dismiss the subject and are unaware of the serious scientific attention that such experiences have received. This course will provide an overview of the scientific studies of NDEs and the conclusions they reach.

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SPORTS & FITNESS

TRAIL WALKING

Robert Baker (C’78), retired College head track and field coach
Early Bird, 6:30–7:20 a.m., One-week course offered both weeks

Journey with us for daily walks on campus as well as the surrounding area, including Elsah, Snyder’s Barn, and Eliestoun. We will also explore the history of the campus with a focus on Maybeck buildings.

PICKLEBALL FOR LIFE!

Shannon Carney, MAEd, USPTA Elite Professional,College head women’s tennis coach
Hour Six, 4:25–5:15 p.m.

Advanced to Beginners: Let’s play pickleball, learn skills, tactics, rules, and history of the game. Recreational drop-in pickleball offered 6:30–7:20 a.m. daily in Hexberg Tennis Center.

STRETCH YOURSELF

Ann Pierson (FS’99), Director of Athletics
Early Bird, 6:30–7:20 a.m., Two-week course

In this class, you will learn and utilize many types of stretching in a relaxing environment with peaceful music. It’s a great way to get your day going. Stretch Yourself was designed to work daily on flexibility and freedom of movement. Each class starts with a metaphysical focus around these concepts, and the workout will build on that truth. Classes will cover several different ways of working on increased flexibility—using ropes, dynamic stretching, yoga-style stretching, and more. Class members will also work daily on balance, with many opportunities to grow more confident in balance through simple yet fun physical activities.

TENNIS FOR LIFE!

Shannon Carney, MAEd, USPTA Elite Professional, College head women’s tennis coach
Early Bird, 6:30–7:20 a.m., Two-week course

Beginning to advanced players will learn and improve their technique and skills through drills and point play. The course meets players at their current level and advances them from there. We’ll cover tennis grips and strokes, shot selection and placement, strategy for singles and doubles, proper footwork, movement and balance, tennis etiquette, and how to think metaphysically about tennis. Please come with your tennis shoes (no black soles). You may bring your racquet or use one of ours. Recreational drop-in tennis offered 4:25–5:15 p.m. daily in Hexberg Tennis Center.

AQUABLAST!

Ann Pierson (FS’99), Director of Athletics
Hour Six, 4:25–5:15 p.m., Two-week course

This pool-based group class will keep you moving in a buoyant environment against the backdrop of a fun playlist of music. We will incorporate noodles and swim belts for mobility, strength, and cardio exercises in the pool.